DR.  WOODS’S  SERMON 


ON  TFIE  DEATH  OF 


MR.  EViRTS. 


A 


SERMON 


ON  THE  DEATH 


OF 


JEREMIAH  EVARTS,  ES(t. 


CORRESPONDING  SECRETARY  OF  A.  B.  C.  F.  M. 


DELIVERED  IN  ANDOVER  JULY  31,  1831. 


BY  APPOINTMENT  OF  TUE  PRUDENTIAL  COMMITTEE. 


BY  LEONARD  WOODS,  D.  D. 

Professor  of  Christian  Theology  in  the  Theol.  Sem.  Andover 


ANDOVER : 

PRINTED  BV  FLAGG  AND  GOULD 


1831 


0 


SERMON 


“WHO  WENT  ABOUT  DOING  GOOD.” ACTS  10.  38. 

We  have  assembled,  brethren  and  friends,  to  manifest  our 
respect  to  the  memory  of  a beloved  servant  of  Christ,  and  our 
sorrow  at  his  death.  The  respect  and  the  sorrow  we  manifest  on 
this  occasion,  are  all  from  the  heart.  Yea,  we  feel  more  than  we 
can  utter.  Nor  shall  we  cease  to  feel,  when  the  usual  season  of 
mourning  is  past.  I say  this  in  behalf  not  only  of  the  particular  rel- 
atives and  friends,  and  of  the  American  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions ; but  of  all  those  in  our  com- 
munity, who  love  the  cause  of  Christ.  I say  it  too  in  be- 
half of  the  missionaries  we  have  sent  forth,  and  in  behalf  of  the 
multitudes  who  have  been  profited  by  their  labors.  In  Palestine, 
in  India,  in  the  wilderness  of  America,  and  in  the  Isles  of  the  Pa- 
cific, there  will  be  great  mourning  for  the  beloved  Evarts.  The 
very  sound  of  his  name  excites  the  love  of  ten  thousand 
hearts.  It  is  the  name  of  a well  known  friend  to  the  heathen , — 
a benefactor  to  the  world.  Where  is  the  man  who  holds  a high- 
er place  in  the  estimation  of  the  wise  and  good,  or  whose  death 
would  cause  more  tears  ? Long  will  Christians  remember,  and 
love,  and  honor  him  ; and  their  children,  taught  by  their  example, 
will  rise  up  and  call  him  blessed. 

Far  be  it  from  me  to  bestow  lofty  and  unmeasured  applause 
upon  any  man,  especially  upon  the  man  whose  death  we  now  de- 
plore. The  highest  honor  I would  give  him  is  to  say,  that  he  was 


4 


a Christian,  and  that,  in  imitation  of  his  Lord  and  Master,  he  went 
about  doing  good.  Higher  praise  than  this  I should  feel  to  be 
incongruous.  For  our  departed  friend  was  of  a humble  heart 
and  contrite  spirit.  In  lowly  prostration  before  Cod,  he  confess- 
ed his  sins,  mourned  his  unlikeness  to  Christ,  disclaimed  all  per- 
sonal worthiness,  and  abhorred  himself.  Even  while  he  remain- 
ed with  us,  he  was  among  the  last  to  seek  or  to  desire  applause. 
But  now  that  he  is  gone  to  a world  of  perfect  holiness,  be  will  be 
forever  deaf  to  all  praise,  except  that  which  is  ascribed  to  God 
and  the  Lamb. 

In  this  solemn  service,  my  wish  is,  first  of  all,  to  glorify  God, 
as  the  author  of  all  goodness  and  usefulness  in  man ; and  then,  to 
contribute  something  to  the  improvement  of  Christians,  particular- 
ly of  those  who  now  occupy,  or  who  are  hereafter  to  occupy  im- 
portant public  stations ; and  to  promote  the  sacred  interests  of 
Christianity  at  home  and  abroad.  And  this  I shall  attempt  to 
do  by  showing,  as  far  as  my  limits  will  admit,  by  what  attributes 
of  character , and  by  what  arrangements  of  divine  •providence , we 
are  to  account  for  the  eminent  usefulness  of  our  lamented  brother , 
the  late  corresponding  Secretary  of  the  American  Board. 

The  statements  I shall  make  respecting  him  might  be  amply 
verified  by  a narrative  of  his  life.  But  this  does  not  fall  within 
my  design.  Such  a narrative,  however,  involving,  as  it  naturally 
would,  our  Foreign-Missionary  operations  for  twenty  years,  and 
other  interests  of  great  moment,  will,  I hope,  be  seasonably  given 
to  the  public  by  some  man,  who  has  time  and  qualifications  for  so 
important  an  undertaking. 

In  executing  my  design,  I shall,  in  the  first  place,  notice  the 
intellectual  character  of  our  departed  friend.  This,  as  develop- 
ed during  his  collegiate  course,  and  in  his  subsequent  life,  was  of 
a high  order.  The  faculties  of  his  mind  were  originally  strong 
and  active,  and  were  improved  by  a thorough  literary  and  scientific 
education,  and  a regular  course  of  study  in  law.  There  are  few 
men,  whose  acquisitions  are  more  extensive  or  more  solid.  On  all 
subjects  to  which  he  turned  his  attention,  whether  literary,  political, 
or  religious,  he  formed  clear  and  comprehensive  views ; and  wheth- 
er he  undertook  to  write  or  speak,  he  exhibited  the  riches  of  his 


minil  in  a diction  uniformly  natural,  perspicuous,  and  manly,  and 
occasionally  elegant  and  sublime.  The  extemporaneous  addresses 
he  made  on  public  occasions  were,  as  to  manner,  peculiarly  mod- 
est and  plain  ; but  always  full  of  vivid,  pertinent,  and  weighty 
thought.  His  eloquence  was  often  impressive,  and  sometimes 
powerful.  He  was  distinguished  by  patience  and  fairness  in  his 
investigations,  by  the  clearness  and  force  of  his  reasoning, 
and  by  correctness  and  despatch  in  business.  In  all  his  habits, 
whether  of  thought  or  action,  he  showed  as  little  liability  to 
mistake,  as  can  be  expected  of  any  man  in  this  state  of  im- 
perfection. 

Such  were  his  original  powers  of  mind,  and  such  the  acqui- 
sitions he  made,  and  the  habits  he  formed  by  well-directed,  per- 
severing study. 

Now  it  is  upon  the  character  of  the  mind,  that  our  ability  to  do 
good  in  a great  measure  depends.  If  a man,  in  this  respect,  is 
superior  to  others,  he  will  in  all  probability  accomplish  more 
good  ; if  inferior,  less  good.  The  usefulness  of  his  labors,  un- 
less prevented  by  special  causes,  will  be  very  much  in  propor- 
tion to  the  amount  of  his  intellectual  powers  and  acquisitions. 

This  is  a subject,  on  which  young  men,  in  different  stages  of 
their  education,  frequently  entertain  very  erroneous  views.  They 
look  forward  to  their  future  profession  with  impatience,  and  are 
in  haste  to  engage  in  its  labors,  because  they  apprehend,  that 
spending  so  much  time  in  preparation  will  detract  from  the  good 
they  might  accomplish.  This  is  a great  mistake.  For  all  ex- 
perience shows,  that  the  whole  of  a man’s  usefulness  is  not  so 
much  according  to  the  length  of  the  time  in  which  he  is  engaged 
in  active  service,  as  to  the  amount  of  his  qualifications  ; and 
that  if  any  one  would  be  sure  to  rise  to  the  highest  degree  of 
usefulness  of  which  he  is  capable,  he  must  spend  more  time  than 
is  common  in  preparation,  leaving  so  much  less  for  action. 

The  principle  I have  suggested  is  directly  applicable  to  the 
case  under  consideration.  The  whole  time  which  Mr.  Evarts 
devoted  to  classical,  scientific,  and  professional  study  unquestion- 
ably contributed  to  his  usefulness.  Even  those  acquisitions,  which 
might  have  been  thought  less  necessary,  proved  to  be  decidedly 


6 


serviceable  in  some  part  of  the  work  assigned  to  him.  For  ex- 
ample ; the  knowledge  he  acquired  of  jurisprudence  qualified 
him  to  perform  that  work  of  benevolence  in  behalf  of  the  suffer- 
ing Indians,  which  will  be  so  lasting  an  honor  to  him  in  the  view 
of  all  who  love  justice,  and  feel  for  the  oppressed.  And  if  some 
of  his  previous  studies  did  not  in  the  same  manner  come  into 
direct  use  in  the  cause  to  which  he  was  devoted  ; they  still  had 
an  important  influence  in  giving  strength  and  elevation  to  the 
character  of  his  mind,  and  excellence  to  his  style  of  writing,  and 
in  preparing  him  better  to  devise  and  execute  the  measures, 
which  were  necessary  to  the  accomplishment  of  his  great  object. 

In  the  second  place,  I shall  notice  what  belonged  to  his  moral 
and  religious  character. 

In  the  strict  evangelical  sense,  Mr.  Evarts  was  a good  man. 
His  life  afforded  the  most  satisfactory  evidence  that  he  had  been 
born  again  ; that  he  had  experienced  the  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ; that  he  repented  of  sin,  and  that,  from  a deep  sense 
of  guilt  and  misery,  he  believed  in  Christ  as  the  only  Saviour ; 
that  he  had  communion  with  God,  and  rendered  sincere  and 
habitual  obedience  to  his  commands. 

Now  this  spirit  of  Christian  piety,  flowing  from  the  renewal 
of  his  heart,  contributed  in  the  highest  degree  to  his  usefulness. 
It  was  this  which  gave  a right  direction  to  his  intellectual  powers, 
and  led  him  to  make  a right  use  of  his  acquisitions.  It  was  this, 
which  constituted  the  great  inward  motive  to  a useful  life.  Had 
he  possessed  the  same  intellectual  furniture,  without  piety  ; his 
influence,  instead  of  being  beneficial,  might  have  been  directly 
mischievous.  Like  some  very  gifted  men,  he  might  have  spent  his 
life  in  spreading  moral  pestilence.  And  even  if  he  had  avoided  this 
excess  of  iniquity,  and  honestly  devoted  himself  to  the  business 
of  the  profession  which  he  originally  chose  ; what  more  would  he 
have  done,  than  to  pursue  his  own  private  interests  ? The  en- 
largement of  the  church,  the  universal  spread  of  the  gospel,  and 
the  salvation  of  the  world,  would  have  had  no  power  over  his 
heart.  If  you  would  see  what,  in  that  case,  he  would  have  been ; 
look  at  the  multitude  of  those  who  arc  possessed  of  richly  fur- 
nished minds,  but  are  destitute  of  religious  principle.  The  lives 


7 


of  such  arc  spent  in  worldly  indulgences.  Even  those  actions 
which  have  a show  of  generosity,  are  dictated  by  a more  refined 
selfishness ; while  their  minds  are  strangers  to  holy  love.  Be- 
hold, then,  the  work  which  sovereign  grace  accomplishes  ! When 
God  renews  the  hearts  of  sinners,  he  does  a work  of  great  love, 
not  only  to  them,  but  to  the  world.  He  acts  as  a friend  to  the 
universe.  They  who  are  renewed  have  the  spirit  of  sincere 
and  active  benevolence,  and  so  are  led,  by  a motive  of  exhaust- 
less energy,  to  seek  the  highest  interests  of  man.  They  bear  tbe 
image  of  him  who  went  about  doing  good.  When  that  beloved 
friend,  whose  death  we  now  mourn,  was  renewed  by  the  divine 
Spirit,  his  heart,  being  turned  from  worldly,  selfish  objects,  was 
brought  under  the  influence  of  love  to  God  and  love  to  man. 
At  his  conversion  he  commenced  a course  of  action,  which  was 
to  fall  in  with  a great  system  of  benevolence,  and  in  the  end  to 
promote  the  salvation  of  untold  multitudes  in  Christian  and  hea- 
then lands. 

But  holy  affection,  in  order  to  produce  its  proper  effects,  must 
not  only  exist,  but  must  exist  in  a lively,  active  state.  Benevolence, 
feeble  and  dormant,  or  active  only  on  particular  occasions,  can 
accomplish  but  little.  The  good  to  be  accomplished  by  the 
agency  of  Mr.  Evarts  required  a mind  enlightened  and  purified 
in  an  uncommon  degree ; — it  required  a benevolence  steady,  ar- 
dent, and  invincible.  And  such  was  the  character  to  which, 
through  the  grace  of  God,  he  was  formed.  The  affection  which 
predominated  in  his  breast,  next  to  a supreme  love  to  God,  was 
compassion  to  the  souls  of  men,  and  strong  desire  for  the  sal- 
vation of  the  heathen.  This  was  the  inward  power  which  mov- 
ed him.  It  was  not  a feverish  "heat,  but  the  even  pulsation  and 
glow  of  health.  What  others  might  do  from  sudden  excitement, 
or  the  spur  of  the  occasion,  he  did  from  principle, — principle 
which  was  strong,  uniform,  and  enduring, — which  was  the  same 
morning  and  evening,  at  noon,  and  in  the  wakeful  hours  of  night, 
— the  same  at  the  beginning  and  the  end  of  the  year, — the  same 
in  prosperity  and  in  adversity.  The  moral  principle  which  actu- 
ated him  was  as  permanent,  as  the  faculties  of  his  soul ; yea,  as 
permanent  as  that  indwelling  Spirit  of  God,  which  caused  its  ex-? 


8 


istence.  Such  a principle  of  action  is  essential  to  the  highest  de- 
gree of  usefulness  in  any  condition  of  life.  And  in  any  condi- 
tion, it  will  have  a salutary  influence.  It  is  the  object  of  God’s 
complacency ; and  through  his  wise  and  immutable  constitution, 
it  will  insure  happiness  to  the  possessor,  and  diffuse  it  among  oth- 
ers. In  whatever  degree,  or  in  whatever  circumstances  it  may 
exist,  it  will  not  be  lost.  Though  it  lies  concealed  in  the  shades 
of  private  life,  and  shows  itself  only  in  the  little  circle  of  domes- 
tic duties,  or  in  the  exercises  of  secret  devotion  ; still  it  con- 
tributes to  the  blessedness  of  the  universe. 

But  the  religious  principle  of  which  I speak,  was  specially 
important  and  necessary  to  the  chief  agent  in  our  Foreign- 
Missionary  enterprise.  In  connexion  with  others,  he  had  to 
accomplish  a work  of  uncommon  magnitude,  and  to  encounter 
numberless  and  formidable  difficulties.  He  was  called  to 
guide  the  vessel  over  a tempestuous  and  dangerous  sea,  when 
strong  counter  currents  were  to  be  stemmed,  sudden  chang- 
es of  wind  and  weather  to  be  encountered,  and  rocks  and  shoals 
to  be  avoided.  In  such  an  enterprise,  it  was  indispensable  that 
he  should  possess  a principle  of  great  firmness  and  strength  ; a 
principle  which  would  enable  him  to  meet  difficulties  calmly  ; 
which  would  raise  him  above  all  discouragements ; and  which 
would  contain  within  itself  an  exhaustless  power  of  excitement, 
when  all  the  natural  springs  of  action  failed.  Such  a principle 
he  had.  It  consisted  in  the  religious  affection,  which  the  Spirit 
of  God  produced  and  cherished  in  his  heart.  It  was  an  affection 
which  allied  him  to  apostles  and  martyrs,  and  to  Christ  himself, 
and  prepared  him  to  endure  any  labors  or  sufferings,  which  were 
necessary  to  the  welfare  of  his  fellow  men. 

But  I must  notice  one  more  particular  attribute  of  his  moral 
and  religious  character,  which  was  of  great  importance  to  his 
usefulness ; and  that  is,  his  scrupulous  and  inflexible  integrity. 

This  trait  in  his  character  was  so  manifest,  that  it  raised  him 
above  suspicion.  All  who  had  opportunity  to  know  his  charac- 
ter, acknowledged  him  to  be  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  was  no 
guile.  The  name  of  Jeremiah  Evarts  was  associated  in  the 
public  mind  with  a feeling  of  safety  in  regard  to  any  interests 


9 


which  might  be  committed  to  his  care.  This  evident  simplicity 
and  uprightness  of  character  freed  him  from  the  embarrassments 
and  obstructions,  which  the  suspicions  of  others  always  throw  in 
the  way  of  a man’s  usefulness,  and  secured  to  him  the  unwaver- 
ing confidence  and  cordial  support  not  only  of  his  particular  as- 
sociates, but  of  all  those  in  the  community  who  were  attached  to 
the  cause  of  missions.  And  let  me  say,  that  this  manifest  up- 
rightness of  character,  which  was  indispensable  to  his  success 
through  the  whole  period  of  our  Foreign-Missionary  operations, 
was  so  in  a preeminent  degree,  when,  at  the  commencement  of 
those  operations,  he  was  intrusted  with  the  pecuniary  concerns  of 
the  Board.  To  carry  into  effect  in  any  good  measure,  the  great 
design  of  the  Board,  it  was  necessary  that  large  sums  of  money 
should  be  contributed,  and  sent  in  charity  to  various  and  distant 
countries  ; — a business  hardly  known  among  us  at  that  time,  and 
not  easily  accomplished  even  in  the  most  favorable  circumstances. 
Now  who  can  suppose  that  both  the  rich  and  the  poor  would 
have  voluntarily  united  from  year  to  year,  as  they  actually  did,  in 
raising  the  requisite  funds,  had  they  indulged  a suspicion  of  the 
integrity  or  disinterestedness  of  the  man  to  whom  the  funds  were 
to  be  intrusted,  and  who  was,  from  the  beginning,  one  of  the 
principal  agents  in  conducting  all  the  concerns  of  the  Missions. 

Having  thus  described  the  intellectual,  and  the  moral  and  re- 
ligious character  of  our  lamented  brother,  and  shown  its  impor- 
tant connexion  with  his  usefulness,  I proceed  to  say,  thirdly,  that 
he  had  a remarkable  completeness  and  symmetry  of  character. 

We  not  unfrequently  meet  with  men,  who  are  distinguished 
for  particular  virtues,  while  in  regard  to  others  they  are  notoriously 
deficient ; — who  have  prominent  excellencies,  and  prominent 
faults.  There  are  some,  who  are  endued  with  ardor,  boldness, 
and  disinterestedness,  and  other  shining  qualities  for  public  life, — 
who  are  not  to  be  subdued  by  opposition,  nor  daunted  at  the 
prospect  of  suffering,  nor  corrupted  by  bribes  ; who  yet  are  sub- 
ject to  obvious  failings  in  their  private  character.  Some,  who 
possess  a variety  of  estimable  qualities,  have  an  irritability  of  tem- 
per which  is  excited  on  the  slightest  occasion.  They  are  wanting  in 
meekness  and  gentleness,  in  patience,  and  sympathy,  and  forgive- 
2 


10 


ness.  Some  show  that  they  are  governed  by  selfishness,  pride, 
and  ambition.  In  regard  to  others,  it  is  evident,  that  the  applauses 
bestowed  upon  them  have  produced  an  uncommon  growth  of 
self-complacency  and  vanity,  and  that,  in  opposition  to  a divine 
precept,  they  esteem  themselves  better  than  others.  Some,  again, 
have  a covetous,  or  a suspicious  temper ; or  they  are  slaves  to 
their  bodily  appetites  ; are  wanting  in  Christian  simplicity ; or 
subject  to  rashness,  fickleness,  or  indiscretion.  Such  is  the  lam- 
entable fact  in  regard  to  the  generality  of  those  who  in  various 
respects  exhibit  valuable  traits  of  character.  But  may  1 not  say 
with  propriety,  it  was  otherwise  with  Mr.  Evarts  ? Every  one 
acquainted  with  his  public  life  knows  full  well,  that  he  was  pos- 
sessed of  manly  resolution,  firmness,  and  activity.  But  he  was 
possessed,  in  an  equal  degree,  of  humility,  forbearance,  and  gen- 
tleness. He  had  as  much  of  the  amiable,  as  of  the  dignified. 
Who  ever  acquired  a more  perfect  control  over  his  passions,  or 
maintained  a more  unruffled,  equal  state  of  mind  ? And  he  was, 

I doubt  not,  as  solicitous  to  govern  himself  according  to  the  pre- 
cepts of  God’s  word,  in  his  thoughts,  and  feelings,  and  most  se- 
cret actions,  as  in  those  parts  of  his  life  which  were  open  to  pub- 
lic scrutiny. 

The  attribute  of  character  which  I have  now  described,  was 
of  the  highest  consequence  to  his  usefulness.  By  securing  the 
.approbation  and  favor  of  God,  and  the  esteem  and  confidence  of 
the  community,  it  invested  him  with  power  to  do  good.  Surely 
it  was  no  small  matter,  that  he  should  carry  a character  of  such 
completeness  into  that  high  station  which  was  allotted  to  him,  and 
should  bring  it  to  bear  upon  all  the  interests  with  which  he  was 
intrusted. 

But  I am  to  speak  also  of  the  symmetry  of  his  character. 
He  not  only  had  the  various  qualities  which  belong  to  a good 
character,  but  had  them  in  just  proportion.  How  different 
was  he  from  those,  who  seem  to  have  an  exact  conscience  respect- 
ing one  class  of  obligations,  but  are  inattentive  to  others  ; from 
those  who  manifest  much  regard  to  that  which  is  appropriately 
religious,  and  but  little  to  that  which  relates  to  common  life, — 
who  reverence  the  Sabbath,  and  regularly  attend  to  its  public  ser- 


11 


vices,  but  are  chargeable  with  irregularities  of  temper  and  con- 
duct during  the  week.  And  on  the  other  hand,  how  different 
was  he  from  those,  who  are  exact  in  respect  to  their  domestic  and 
social  obligations,  but  regardless  of  those  which  are  of  a more 
public  nature,  or  more  directly  religious.  Let  me  not,  however, 
be  understood  to  imply  that  he  had  an  excellence  of  character, 
which  was  free  from  all  deficiency  and  all  blemish.  To  say  that 
he  attained  perfection,  or  that  he  was  near  being  perfect,  would 
be  to  contradict  the  deep,  inward  convictions  he  had  of  his  own 
failings  and  sins,  and  his  sincere  confessions,  and  penitence,  and 
self-abhorrence  before  God  ; and  it  would  be  to  overlook  that 
pure  and  spiritual  law  which  no  Christian  on  earth  perfectly 
obeys  in  heart  and  in  action,  for  a single  day,  or  a single  moment 
of  his  life.  But  if  the  character  of  Mr.  Evarts  is  viewed  in  com- 
parison with  that  of  good  men  generally,  I think  it  must  appear  to 
great  advantage  in  respect  to  completeness  and  symmetry.  Who 
that  knew  him,  ever  thought  that  any  part  of  what  constitutes  a 
good  character  was  wanting  in  him,  or  that  some  of  his  intellec- 
tual or  moral  qualities  grew  to  excess,  while  others,  equally  im- 
portant, were  below  their  proper  measure  ? This  excellence  of 
character  was  doubtless  owing  in  some  measure  to  the  influence 
of  favorable  circumstances,  and  more,  to  his  own  diligent  and 
skilful  efforts  ; but  it  was  owing  chiefly  and  ultimately,  to  the 
good  pleasure  of  God,  and  the  operation  of  bis  Spirit.  To  this 
divine  cause  we  must  attribute  all  human  excellence,  and  all  the 
efficacy  of  human  exertion. 

The  public  character  of  Mr.  Evarts  exhibited  the  symmetry 
abovementioned,  in  one  very  important  respect.  With  as  much 
ardor  as  was  necessary  to  the  highest  degree  of  effort  which 
could  be  permanently  sustained,  he  united  a sound  judgment. 
Had  the  momentous  concerns  of  our  Foreign  Missions  been 
committed  to  a man  of  more  zeal,  and  less  discretion ; the  con- 
sequence might  have  been  disastrous.  There  is  a degree  of 
heat,  which  is  apt  to  discompose  the  mind,  and  to  produce  disor- 
der. If  a man’s  ardor  goes  beyond  the  bounds  of  moderation, 
and  his  zeal  breaks  loose  from  his  judgment ; the  world  will  be 
afraid  to  trust  him.  He  may  have  more  active  power,  and  for 


12 


a time,  accomplish  more  good,  than  any  other  man.  Still  it  will 
be  dangerous  to  confide  in  him  ; because,  in  one  rash  hour,  he 
may  expose  to  ruin  all  the  interests  committed  to  his  care.  The 
zeal  of  Mr.  Evarts  did  indeed  rise  to  a high  degree  of  warmth  ; 
but  it  had  no  enthusiastic  effervescence,  no  convulsive  starts,  no 
violence.  It  was  just  sufficient  to  put  his  mind  into  the  fittest 
state  for  deliberation  and  effort ; — just  sufficient  to  afford  the  ne- 
cessary excitement  to  his  reason,  his  invention,  and  all  his  active 
powers.  It  was  invariably  associated  with  the  most  tranquil  ope- 
rations of  a well  furnished  intellect ; and  it  led  him  to  adopt  a sys- 
tem of  measures  of  as  high  a character,  as  existing  circumstances 
would  admit ; a system  which  he  pursued  from  year  to  year,  and 
through  successive  years,  with  unfailing  resolution,  and  with  in- 
creasing evidence  that  it  was  both  wise  and  practicable. 

Permit  me  to  add,  that  the  general  aspect  of  his  mind  which 
I have  noticed,  appeared  in  the  sober  and  scriptural  views  he  en- 
tertained respecting  the  doctrines  of  Christianity.  No  man  was 
more  free  from  sectarian  prejudice,  and  a pertinacious  attachment 
to  old  opinions.  And  yet  no  man  was  more  open  and  determin- 
ed in  opposition  to  novelties  in  religion,  or  more  grieved  at  any 
departure  from  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel.  On  all  questions  of 
controversy  at  the  present  day,  whether  of  primary  or  secondary 
consequence,  his  habit  of  thinking  was  at  once  cautious  and  deci- 
ded, and  was  conformed  to  the  settled  orthodoxy  of  New  En- 
gland, and,  in  my  apprehension,  to  the  dictates  of  reason  and  rev- 
elation. His  knowledge  of  theology  was  so  extensive,  and  his 
manner  of  reasoning,  both  on  polemic  and  practical  points,  was 
so  candid  and  perspicuous,  that  his  conversation  was  highly  priz- 
ed by  the  most  intelligent  Christians,  as  a source  of  pleasure  and 
improvement.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  add,  that  the  sober  and 
judicious  opinions,  which  he  was  known  to  entertain  on  the  sub- 
ject of  religion,  procured  for  him  a still  higher  place  in  the  esteem 
of  the  community,  and  gave  an  additional  influence  to  his  efforts 
in  the  cause  of  Missions. 

I have  now  noticed  the  chief  of  those  intellectual  and  moral 
properties  which  prepared  our  departed  friend  for  eminent  useful- 
ness. But  of  what  utility  would  all  these  excellent  properties 


13 


have  been,  had  they  not  been  brought  into  actual  exercise  ? How 
little  good  comparatively  would  he  have  done,  had  he  been  left  in 
the  shades  of  private  life,  or  had  he  been  chiefly  devoted  to  the 
acquisition  of  wealth  by  professional  labor  ? But  the  God  who 
made  him,  and  who  ordered  all  the  circumstances  of  his  early 
life,  and  furnished  him  with  so  many  valuable  qualifications, 
designed  him  for  a particular  work,  and  in  due  time  prepar- 
ed the  way  for  him  to  enter  upon  it.  It  was  a short  time  after 
he  came  to  this  vicinity,  that  a Foreign  Mission  from  Amer- 
ica was  commenced,  and  the  management  of  its  interests  commit- 
ted to  a Board  of  Commissioners.  From  the  first,  Mr.  Evarts 
was  employed  in  the  executive  business  of  the  Board.  Besides 
being  Treasurer,  he  was  intimately  associated  with  Dr.  Worces- 
ter, the  Corresponding  Secretary,  in  conducting  the  correspon- 
dence, and  in  all  the  concerns  of  our  growing  missions.  By  this 
course  of  labor  for  about  ten  years,  he  became  well  qualified  for 
the  office  of  Secretary,  when  it  was  vacated  by  the  death  of  Dr. 
Worcester,  and  when  the  burden  of  its  responsibilities  and  cares 
had  been  so  much  increased  by  the  increase  of  missionary  inter- 
est in  our  country.  This  was  the  station  for  which  divine  provi- 
dence raised  him  up,  and  to  which  the  peculiar  structure  of 
his  mind  was  every  way  suited.  In  this  station  all  his  intellectual 
powers  and  moral  principles  were  brought  into  constant  and  vigor- 
ous action,  and  his  whole  character,  as  might  have  been  reasona- 
bly expected,  experienced  a sensible  and  rapid  growth.  It  was 
by  the  labors  of  this  station, — for  which  he  had  been  so  long  pre- 
paring, and  for  which  he  was  so  eminently  qualified,  that  he  help- 
ed to  produce  those  great  results  which  have  been  witnessed,  and 
arrived  at  his  proper  degree  of  usefulness. 

After  Mr.  Evarts  entered  on  the  station  assigned  him,  he 
consecrated  his  time  and  influence  to  the  cause  of  Missions  among 
the  heathen.  This  was  his  object.  Towards  this  his  thoughts, 
his  studies,  his  exertions  directly  tended.  I need  not  tell  you 
how  much  it  would  have  detracted  from  his  usefulness,  had  he 
connected  other  things  with  this,  as  favorite  objects  of  pursuit ; 
had  he,  for  example,  indulged  a literary  ambition,  a taste  for  the 
fine  arts,  or  a fondness  for  wealth.  But  he  had  chosen  his  ob- 


14 


ject ; and  in  point  of  excellence,  the  world  had  nothing  that 
could  be  compared  with  it.  To  this  he  devoted  his  life.  Not 
that  he  disregarded  any  private  obligations  ; — not  that  he  under- 
valued any  other  object  of  Christian  benevolence  or  patriotism, 
or  lost  his  love  for  literature  and  science,  or  for  any  thing  which 
could  adorn  the  mind,  or  promote  the  comfort  of  society  ; — not 
that  he  was  wanting  in  punctuality,  or  inattentive  to  any  of  the 
courtesies  which  belong  to  social  or  domestic  intercourse.  He 
showed,  that  a man  in  the  most  important  station  has  no  occasion 
to  neglect  his  less  important  duties.  He  showed,  that  a great 
man  has  no  need  to  have  either  great  faults,  or  little  faults.  But 
to  whatever  other  objects  he  occasionally  turned  his  attention,  he 
never  lost  sight  of  the  cause  of  Missions.  To  this  he  devoted 
his  first  thoughts,  his  warmest  affections,  and  his  best  labors. 
He  acted  on  the  principle,  that  if  a man  would  accomplish  the 
highest  degree  of  good,  he  must  have  only  one  great  object,  and 
must  pursue  that  object  with  steady  resolution,  and  zeal,  and  per- 
severance. 

The  object  to  which  he  thus  devoted  himself,  and  the  efforts 
which  he  made,  were  of  such  a nature  as  to  be  followed  by 
durable  effects, — by  a continuity  of  good.  This  may  perhaps 
be  called  Christian,  or  spiritual  economy.  We  have  but  limited 
powers  of  body  and  mind,  a limited  time,  limited  means  and  op- 
portunities to  do  good.  Now  it  is  the  dictate  of  Christian  wis- 
dom, that  we  should  fix  upon  that  mode  of  doing  good,  which 
will,  on  the  whole,  turn  to  the  best  account.  A man  may  suc- 
cessfully employ  his  time  and  talents  in  promoting  the  temporal 
welfare  of  his  fellow  men.  But  the  object  he  seeks  is  not  dura- 
ble. It  may  be  something  now ; but  soon  it  passes  away,  and  is 
forgotten.  Such  is  the  transitory  nature  of  all  worldly  interest, 
and  worldly  pleasure.  Though  we  expend  ever  so  much  time, 
and  talent,  and  labor  upon  it,  what  is  it  but  vanity  in  the  end  ? 

Now  certainly  it  is  not  good  economy,  it  is  not  according  to 
sound  wisdom,  that  we  should  fill  up  the  little  space  <5f  time,  and 
use  the  little  power  we  have,  in  pursuit  of  a good  which  has  no 
solid  worth,  and  will  last  but  a moment.  If  there  is  a good 
which  is  really  excellent  and  durable,  let  us  choose  that.  It  was 


15 


the  appointment  of  Christ,  that  his  apostles  should  bear  much 
fruit,  and  that  their  fruit  should  remain.  What  they  did,  produc- 
ed permanent  effects  ; — it  conduced  to  a good  which  was  spiritual 
and  everlasting.  Our  beloved  Secretary  labored  for  the  same 
object.  He  was  of  one  heart  with  the  apostles,  who  labored  to 
save  those  that  were  lost.  His  efforts,  like  theirs,  were  upon  a 
large  scale.  Had  he  promoted  the  salvation  of  a single  individu- 
al, he  would  have  done  a great  and  good  work.  Hut  his  efforts 
were  directed  to  the  highest  good  of  communities  and  nations  ; 
to  the  salvation  of  the  world.  And  if  respect  is  had  to  the  wis- 
dom of  the  measures  which  were  adopted,  and  which  were  all 
calculated  for  permanent  effect ; — if  respect  is  had  to  the  fact, 
that  the  extensive  and  systematic  operations,  in  which  he  was  so 
intensely  engaged,  and  which  have  already  been  attended  with 
such  animating  success,  are  to  lead  on  to  other  measures,  fat- 
more  extensive,  and  far  more  successful — that  the  missionary 
zeal,  which  he  helped  to  kindle  up  in  the  church,  is  to  burn  with 
a still  purer  and  brighter  flame  ; and  it  respect  is  had  to  the  un- 
questionable fact,  that  his  labors  were,  by  the  gracious  appoint- 
ments of  heaven,  closely  connected  with  the  ultimate  overthrow 
of  idolatry,  and  the  establishment  of  Christ’s  kingdom  in  pagan 
lands  ; the  good  resulting  from  his  agency  will  appear  too  great 
for  human  language  to  describe,  or  an  angel’s  mind  to  compre- 
hend. 

In  pursuing  the  object  which  was  so  dear  to  his  heart,  he  was 
particularly  aware,  that  he  needed  the  cordial  assistance  of  fellow 
Christians  around  him,  and  of  the  community  at  large.  The  in- 
fluence of  a man  in  any  station,  especially  in  one  that  is  public 
and  very  difficult,  may  be  increased  in  a degree  above  computa- 
tion by  being  skilfully  united  with  the  influence  of  others.  We 
are  social  beings,  and  by  the  very  constitution  of  our  nature,  are 
mutually  dependent.  Let  human  agency  in  any  case  be  com- 
pletely insulated,  and  it  can  have  no  efficiency.  To  accomplish 
any  thing  important,  we  must  act  together.  What  is  deficient  in 
one  man,  is  to  be  supplied  by  others, — who,  though  not  superior 
to  him  in  the  general  attributes  of  character,  may  be  able  to  af- 
ford him  the  counsel  and  aid  which  he  needs.  Mr.  Evarts 


1G 


successfully  availed  himself  of  this  important  principle ; and  he 
always  did  it  with  evident  satisfaction.  Who  was  ever  more  un- 
assuming ; or  more  free  from  that  self-sufficiency,  and  folly, 
which  makes  a man  reluctant  to  acknowledge  himself  indebted 
in  any  way  to  the  judgment  or  foresight  of  others  ? Who  ever 
came  nearer  to  a full  compliance  with  the  direction  of  the  apos- 
tle, that,  in  loveliness  of  mind,  each  should  esteem  others  heller 
than  himself  ? His  truly  modest  and  humble  disposition,  joined 
with  his  deep  solicitude  that  every  thing  should  be  done  in  the 
best  manner,  rendered  him  very  desirous  of  counsel  and  aid  from 
his  brethren,  and  heartily  willing  to  own  himself  under  obligation 
to  them,  even  where  it  was  evident  that  he  was  the  man  who 
possessed  the  best  information,  and  the  highest  degree  of  wis- 
dom, in  regard  to  the  subject  under  consideration. 

But  while  he  looked  to  his  fellow  Christians  for  counsel  and 
assistance,  it  conduced  still  more  to  his  success,  that,  in  humble, 
fervent  prayer,  he  sought  help  of  God.  This  might  have  been 
mentioned  as  belonging  to  his  religious  character.  But  I have 
rather  chosen  to  mention  it  here,  as  constituting  an  important 
part  of  those  efforts,  by  which  he  contributed  most  effectually  to 
the  success  of  the  Missionary  cause.  He  had  a deep  sense  of 
his  weakness  and  dependence,  and  of  the  utter  fruitlessness  of 
all  human  endeavours,  without  the  divine  blessing.  In  a manner 
very  far  removed  from  all  extravagance,  and  at  the  same  time 
furnishing  the  strongest  motives  to  devout  importunity,  he  believ- 
ed in  the  efficacy  of  prayer.  And  his  belief  was  grounded  on 
the  best  possible  reasons, — the  immutable  promise  of  God,  and 
the  actual  course  of  his  providence.  The  devout  supplications 
which  he  and  his  associates  in  office  presented  to  God  in  all  their 
meetings  for  business,  together  with  the  monthly,  and  weekly, 
and  daily  prayers  of  the  great  body  of  Christians  in  this  land, 
and  in  other  lands,  have  undoubtedly  exerted  a higher  and  more 
efficacious  influence,  than  any  other  means,  in  promoting  the 
spread  of  the  gospel  and  the  conversion  of  the  heathen  world. 
Without  the  spirit  of  prayer,  and  the  blessing  of  God  which  it 
secures,  other  efforts  would  have  proved  abortive.  Suppose 
prayer  had  been  omitted,  and  the  time  spent  in  this  duty  by  the 


17 


officers  and  members  of  the  Board,  by  ministers,  and  all  the 
friends  of  missions,  had  been  spent  in  some  other  way,  yea,  in 
any  other  way  ; what  would  have  been  the  consequence,  but  a 
total  failure  of  the  Missionary  enterprise  ? All  our  exertions 
could  have  effected  nothing  ; or  I might  say,  no  proper  exertions 
would  ever  have  been  made.  Judging  by  the  word  of  God,  we 
cannot  doubt,  that  sincere,  fervent  prayer,  though  by  an  unseen 
influence,  really  does  more  towards  accomplishing  the  great  ob- 
jects of  benevolence,  than  all  human  endeavours  beside.  For 
what  can  human  endeavours  do, — what  can  talents  or  attainments 
do,  without  the  help  of  God  ? And  how  can  that  help  be  obtain- 
ed, except  by  prayer  ? 

Thus,  in  attempting  to  perform  the  part  assigned  to  me  on 
the  present  occasion,  I have  noticed  those  attributes  of  character, 
and  those  other  circumstances,  which  contributed  most  directly  to 
the  usefulness  of  the  beloved  and  honored  man,  whose  death  we 
deplore. 

Let  us  now'  endeavour  to  derive  profit  to  ourselves  from  the 
subject  which  we  have  contemplated,  and  to  bring  it  to  bear,  with 
a salutary  influence,  upon  all  the  sacred  interests  with  which  we 
are  connected. — Among  the  many  useful  lessons  which  it  is  suit- 
ed to  teach,  I can  suggest  only  the  following. 

1.  We  see  how  Christians  may  grow  in  grace , and  become 
eminently  holy. 

On  this  point  permit  me  to  address  myself  particularly  to 
those  young  men,  who  are  coming  forward  to  labor  in  the  cause 
of  Christ.  Our  departed  friend  attained  to  eminent  holiness ; 
and  why  may  not  you  ? What  advantages  had  he  to  grow  in 
grace,  which  are  not  within  your  reach  ? What  motive  urged 
him  to  diligence  in  the  service  of  God,  which  does  not  urge  you  ? 
What  divine  assistance  did  he  obtain  and  enjoy,  which  you  may 
not  obtain  in  the  same  way,  and  enjoy  in  the  same  measure  ? As 
God  has  provided  for  you  the  same  Bible,  the  same  Sabbath,  the 
same  throne  of  grace,  the  same  salutary  discipline  of  his  provi- 
dence, and  the  same  influences  of  his  Spirit ; why  may  you  not, 
by  proper  diligence,  attain  to  the  same  degree  of  holiness  P 
3 


18 


But  there  is  one  particular  view  of  this  subject,  which  1 con- 
sider to  be  of  special  importance.  The  employment  of  Mr. 
Evarts  was  unquestionably  among  the  most  powerful  causes  of 
his  growth  in  piety.  He  was  active  in  doing  good — was  continu- 
ally consulting  and  laboring  for  the  salvation  of  men,  particularly 
the  heathen.  This  brought  into  lively  exercise  all  the  pious 
affections  of  his  heart,  and  so  contributed  to  increase  them. 
And  if  he  was  occasionally  so  engrossed  with  his  great  object,  as 
to  forget  himself ; his  sanctification  was  not  impeded  on  that  ac- 
count.— If  a Christian  wishes  to  advance  in  holiness,  let  him  en- 
gage, with  all  his  heart,  in  some  benevolent  and  pious  work.  As 
far  as  may  be,  let  him  choose  his  calling  with  a view  to  this  im- 
portant end.  At  the  present  day,  there  is  a great  variety  of  ways 
in  which  good  may  be  done.  There  can  be  no  lack  of  oppor- 
tunity to  any.  Let  every  Christian,  then,  be  devoted  to  some 
work  of  benevolence.  And  if  he  aspires  to  improve  his  charac- 
ter in  the  highest  degree ; let  him  be  active  in  such  a way,  as 
will  require  him  to  exercise  zeal  and  fortitude,  to  practise  self- 
denial,  and  endure  sufferings.  This  is  the  way,  and  according 
to  the  wise  appointment  of  God,  the  only  way,  to  rise  high  in 
spiritual  attainments.  If  then  we  covet  the  best  gifts  of  heaven, 
let  us  use  the  right  means  to  obtain  them.  If  it  is  our  desire  to 
mortify  sin,  and  to  cultivate  a spirit  of  elevated  piety ; let  us  en- 
gage with  ardor  in  works  of  piety.  And  let  us  take  care  to  pur- 
sue a course,  which  will  not  only  be  favorable  to  the  good  dispo- 
sitions which  we  wish  to  cherish,  but  directly  opposed  to  the  sin- 
ful propensities  and  habits  which  we  wish  to  overcome.  Are  we 
conscious  of  a culpable  indolence  ? Then  let  us  do  good  in  a 
way  which  will  require  diligent  personal  effort.  Have  we  an  in- 
ordinate love  of  money  ? Then  let  us  be  frequent  and  liberal  in 
our  contributions,  and  so  diminish  those  treasures  which  are  the 
idols  of  our  hearts.  And  if  any  are  exposed  to  feelings  of  vani- 
ty on  account  of  their  making  donations  which  are  public  and 
honorable  ; let  them  abound  also  in  smaller  gifts,  in  private  chari- 
ties to  the  destitute,  not  letting  their  left  hand  know  U'hat  their 
right  hand  doelh,  and  thus  guarding  their  minds  against  the  hurt- 
ful influence  of  applause. — If  it  has  been  our  habit  to  treat  our- 


10 


selves  softly  and  delicately,  and  to  make  our  own  gratification  a 
special  object  of  pursuit,  and  if  in  consequence  of  this,  we  are 
deficient  in  the  more  manly,  noble  virtues  ; then  let  us  prefer  ser- 
vices which  are  somewhat  severe,  and  never  start  back  from  any 
toil,  hardship  or  danger  which  may  meet  us  in  the  path  of  duty. 
— If  our  hearts  are  prone  to  indulge  feelings  of  distrust  in  regard 
to  the  perfections  or  the  providence  of  God  ; it  will  be  of  par- 
ticular importance  to  us  to  pursue  a course,  which  will  often 
compel  us  to  give  up  every  ground  of  confidence  but  the  prom- 
ise and  faithfulness  of  God,  and  to  rely  on  him  alone  for  the  sup- 
ply of  our  wants,  the  relief  of  our  distresses,  and  the  success  of 
our  undertakings.  The  same  might  be  said  in  regard  to  other 
particulars.  Now  it  is  obvious,  that  such  a work  as  that  in  which 
our  departed  friend  was  enlisted,  is  eminently  fitted  to  promote 
the  divine  life.  Any  one  who,  from  pure  motives,  makes  a full 
surrender  of  himself  to  the  cause  of  Missions,  and,  either  at 
home  or  abroad,  devotes  his  talents  and  his  life  to  the  salvation  of 
the  heathen,  will  he  under  the  best  advantages  to  grow  in  the 
spirit  of  piety.  And  it  will  doubtless  appear  in  the  great  day, 
when  all  characters,  and  all  which  has  helped  to  form  them,  shall 
be  revealed,  that  the  holiness  which  eminent  saints  in  all  periods 
of  the  church  have  attained,  was  owing  in  no  small  degree,  under 
God,  to  the  exertions  they  made  and  the  sufferings  they  endured 
for  the  present  and  eternal  welfare  of  their  fellow  men. 

2.  We  see  that  sincere  devotion  to  God,  and  diligence  in 
doing  good,  are  followed  by  the  most  happy  results.  Great  peace 
have  they  who  love  God’s  law.  They  who  forsake  all  for  Christ 
shall  receive  an  hundred  fold  even  in  the  present  time.  Our  de- 
ceased brother  found  this  true  in  his  own  case.  He  enjoyed  the 
cordial  affection  and  confidence  not  only  of  the  Prudential  Com- 
mittee and  the  American  Board,  but  of  all  the  friends  of  Mis- 
sions and  the  friends  of  Christ.  And  he  had  the  respect  of  the 
public  generally; — not  only  of  those  who  agreed  with  him  in  re- 
ligious opinion  and  feeling,  but  of  those  who  differed  from  him  ; 
and  not  only  of  those  who  favored  the  interest  he  sought,  but  of 
those  who  opposed  it.  In  addition  to  all  this,  he  had  the  pleas- 


20 


ure  of  being  continually  conversant  with  objects  which  were  con- 
genial to  his  taste  ; — objects  which  were  gratifying  to  his  benevo- 
lent and  pious  heart ; and  the  pleasure  of  witnessing  the  unex- 
pected success  of  the  Missionary  cause.  He  was  also  favored 
with  a quiet,  contented  mind,  with  the  consolations  of  hope,  and 
with  many  tokens  of  the  divine  presence  and  approbation.  He 
was  blessed  of  God  in  his  family,  and  in  his  own  soul.  And 
when  we  come  to  the  closing  scene  of  his  life,  we  may  well 
exclaim, — “ Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright ; 
for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.”  The  inward  composure 
which  he  habitually  enjoyed  after  he  devoted  himself  to  the 
service  of  Christ,  he  continued  in  a remarkable  degree  to  en- 
joy during  his  last  sickness.  The  prevailing  state  of  his  mind 
may  be  learnt  in  some  measure  from  the  following  paper,  which  he 
wrote,  Feb.  27, 1831,  it  being  the  Sabbath,  half  past  eleven,  A.  M. 
He  was  on  board  the  ship  Fama,  in  sight  of  Abaco,  one  of  the 
Bahama  Islands,  twelve  days  after  he  sailed  from  Boston  for  Cuba. 

“Daily,  and  many  times  a day,  I have  been  disposed,  I trust, 
to  acknowledge  the  goodness  of  God,  and  to  consecrate  myself 
anew  to  his  service.  I had  thought  of  making  a formal  and 
written  consecration  of  myself  to  the  Lord  this  forenoon  : but  my 
mind  is  so  weighed  down  by  my  feeble  body,  that  I can  write 
nothing,  except  of  the  simplest  kind,  and  cannot  adequately 
dwell  upon  the  amazing  theme  of  being  a servant  of  God,  and 
of  having  Him  for  my  portion  forever.” 

At  half  past  3,  P.  M.  he  wrote  thus, — “ We  have  turned  the 
south  west  end  of  Abaco.  I have  looked  at  this  work  of  God, 
which  it  is  not  likely  I shall  see  again  ; — and  have  turned  my 
thoughts  many  times  to  the  great  and  blessed  Creator  of  all. 

“ Here,  in  this  sea,  I consecrate  myself  to  Gon  as  my  chief 
good  : — to  him  as  my  heavenly  Father,  infinitely  kind  and  ten- 
der of  his  children  ; — to  him  as  my  kind  and  merciful  Redeem- 
er, by  whose  blood  and  merits  alone  I do  hope  for  salvation  ; — to 
him  as  the  beneficent  renewer  and  sanctifier  of  the  saved.  I im- 
plore the  forgiveness  of  my  numerous  and  aggravated  transgres- 
sions ; and  1 ask  that  my  remaining  time  and  strength  may  be 
employed  for  the  glory  of  God  my  portion,  and  for  the  good  of 
his  creatures.” 


21 


“ Whether  I make  my  grave  on  the  land,  or  in  the  ocean,  I 
submit  cheerfully  to  Him.  It  will  be  as  He  pleases  ; and  so  it 
should  be.  I pray  that  the  circumstances  of  my  death,  be  it  soon- 
er or  later,  may  be  favorable  to  religion  ; that  I may  not  deceive 
myself  in  the  great  concerns  of  my  soul  ; — that  I may  depart  in 
peace,  and  be  received,  through  infinite  mercy,  to  the  everlasting 
kingdom  of  my  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  Amen.” 

In  the  near  prospect  of  death  he  showed  a most  happy  tran- 
quillity. He  had  that  peace  of  God  which  passcth  all  under- 
standing. Who  would  not  think  himself  rewarded  for  the  toils 
and  sufferings  of  a whole  life,  yea,  of  a thousand  years,  by  what 
this  faithful  servant  of  Christ  was  permitted  to  enjoy  just  before 
his  decease,  when  God  caused  so  wonderful  a light  to  shine 
upon  his  soul.  He  uTas  at  that  time  in  a kind,  Christian  family 
in  Charleston  S.  C.,  but  far  removed  from  his  beloved  partner 
and  children,  whom  he  had  just  before  particularly  and  most  de- 
voutly commended  to  God.  Seeming  to  be  nearly  exhausted, 

he  very  tenderly  expressed  his  affection  for  his  Saviour 

Soon  after,  he  burst  forth  with  expressions  of  rap- 
ture which  cannot  be  described.  “ Praise  him,  praise  him, 
praise  him  in  a uTay  which  you  know  not  of.”  And  when  it  was 
said,  “ You  will  soon  see  Jesus  as  he  is,  and  will  then  know  how 
to  praise  him  ;”  he  exclaimed, — “ Wonderful,  wonderful,  won- 
derful glory  ! We  cannot  comprehend — wonderful  glory  ! I 
will  praise,  I will  praise  him  ! Wonderful — glory — Je- 

sus reigns.” 

This  was  no  vision  of  enthusiasm — no  feverish  excitement  of 
passion — no  delirium  of  a heated  brain.  What  man  was  ever 
better  shielded,  than  he,  against  all  mental  delusion,  and  all  undue 
excitement  ? At  that  time  in  particular,  a variety  of  circumstances 
which  might  be  related,  proved  beyond  any  doubt,  that  he  was  per- 
fectly rational  and  self-possessed.  That  which  he  experienced  wras 
doubtless  like  what  apostles,  and  martyrs,  and  eminent  saints  have 
often  experienced  in  a dying  hour,  wrhen,  through  the  special  in- 
fluence of  the  Holy  Spirit,  they  have  had  clear  views  of  the  glory 
of  their  Saviour,  and  of  their  eternal  inheritance,  and  have  earnest- 
ly desired  to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and  present  with  the  Lord. 


22 


May  God  give  me,  in  may  last  moments,  what  our  dear  brother 
enjoyed,  when  that  vision  of  glory  burst  upon  his  astonished  view, 
and  I will  gladly  bid  farewell  to  all  that  the  world  contains.  The 
joy  he  tasted  was  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  Even  before  he 
left  the  body,  he  seemed  to  stand  upon  the  threshold  of  heaven. 

And  what,  think  you,  must  be  the  enjoyment  of  such  a Chris- 
tian in  heaven, — with  a capacity  so  enlarged, — with  the  powers  of 
reason  so  active, — with  affections  and  desires  so  pure,  and  so  el- 
evated,— what  must  be  his  enjoyment  in  the  presence  of  him 
whom  his  soul  loveth,  in  the  society  of  angels  and  saints,  and  in 
the  society  of  no  small  number,  brought  to  that  happy  world  by 
means  of  his  faithful  labors  ! Neither  eye  hath  seen,  nor  ear 
heard,  nor  can  the  heart  of  man  conceive  what  such  a saint  en- 
joys, when  he  comes  to  be  where  Jesus  is.  Oh  ! what  rest  after 
years  of  wearisome  labor,  and  toil,  and  conflict  with  sin  ! Oh  ! 
what  quietness  and  ease,  after  so  much  sickness  and  pain  ! Oh  ! 
what  blessedness,  to  be  free  forever  from  the  feeling,  and  the  sight 
of  moral  pollution,  to  be  like  the  Saviour,  and  to  see  him  as  he  is, 
and  to  drink  of  the  river  of  pleasure  which  flows  at  the  right  hand 
of  God ! 

To  the  mourning  widow,  and  children,  and  other  relatives, 
there  are  unfailing  sources  of  consolation.  They  have  sympa- 
thizing friends  ; a present  and  merciful  God  ; the  great  and  pre- 
cious promises  of  his  word  ; and  a throne  of  grace.  They  have 
the  happiness  of  knowing  that  Jesus  reigns,  and  that  all  things  will 
work  together  for  good  to  them  who  love  God,  and  are  called  ac- 
cording to  his  purpose.  Through  the  mercy  of  heaven,  these 
are  the  rich  consolations  which  afflicted  Christians  commonly  en- 
joy, and  they  are  sufficient  to  quiet  the  agitated  breast,  and  to 
sooth  every  grief.  But  the  mourning  relatives  in  this  case  have 
consolations  which  are  not  common.  When  a man  dies,  yea, 
when  a good  man  dies ; how  seldom  is  it  the  fact,  that  he  leaves 
a character  entirely  unblemished,  even  in  the  view  of  his  most  af- 
fectionate and  partial  friends  ! And  if  in  the  fullness  of  their  hearts, 
they  begin  to  speak  of  him  in  the  language  of  high  respect  and 
honor,  they  are  soon  checked  by  the  recollection  of  something 


23 


which  marred  his  Christian  reputation.  They  do  indeed  cherish 
a most  cordial  esteem  and  love  for  his  amiable  and  virtuous  quali- 
ties ; but  they  sigh,  that  their  thoughts  cannot  range  with  delight 
over  his  whole  character  and  life.  They  cannot  but  regard  it  as 
a subject  of  deep  regret,  that  he  fell  so  far  short  of  that  complete 
excellence,  which  they  wished  him  to  attain.  But  through  the 
grace  of  God,  such  was  not  the  fact  in  regard  to  our  departed 
friend.  The  sorrow,  which  the  afflicted  relatives  feel  for  the  loss  of 
one  so  dear  to  them,  is  not  embittered  by  the  recollection  of  any 
noticeable  failings  in  his  character,  or  any  palpable  errors  in  his 
conduct.  Theirs  is  the  happiness  of  knowing,  that  the  beloved 
partner,  parent,  and  friend,  who  has  been  removed  from  their 
sight,  was  not  only  adorned  with  a combination  of  excellencies, 
but  was  remarkably  free  from  blemishes.  They  must  ever  regard 
it  as  a precious  blessing,  that  they  have  been  so  closely  allied 
to  one,  whose  example  was  so  pure,  so  shining,  and  so  attractive. 
And  they  must  ever  find  the  events  of  his  private  and  public  life, 
a subject  of  the  most  delightful  and  improving  reflection.  It  was 
a life  that  will  bear  to  be  examined,  and  that  deserves  to  be  cop- 
ied. What  a rich  inheritance  to  his  bereaved  family ! While 
they  remember  the  great  goodness  of  God  in  this  respect,  and 
their  hearts  overflow  with  gratitude  ; the  bitterness  of  their  grief  will 
pass  away.  The  Lord  grant,  that  they  may  be  so  happy,  through 
the  remainder  of  life,  as  to  imitate  the  lovely  example  which  has 
been  placed  before  their  eyes,  and  by  humble,  active  piety,  to 
follow  that  dear  friend,  who  through  faith  and  patieuce  inherits 
the  promises. 

To  the  members  of  the  Prudential  Committee  and  other  Offi- 
cers of  the  Board,  this  occasion  is  connected  with  so  many  subjects 
of  intense  interest,  that  I know  not  where  to  begin,  or  where  to 
end.  It  must,  dear  brethren,  be  a source  of  the  sincerest  satisfac- 
tion to  us,  that  the  chief  agency  in  directing  and  executing  the 
momentous  business  of  our  Foreign  Missions,  was  committed  to 
a man,  who  possessed  such  qualifications,  and  in  whom  not  only 
his  immediate  associates,  but  the  Christian  community  had  such 
confidence.  Tn  this  great  and  difficult  work,  it  has  been  our  hap- 


24 


py  lot  to  be  united  with  one,  whose  high  intellectual  endowments 
were  combined  with  the  most  lovely  social  qualities  ; — whose 
friendship  was  uniform  and  undissembled, — not  overstrained  in  ar- 
dor, but  pure,  impartial,  and  truly  Christian ; and  who  was  a pattern 
of  meekness,  patience,  and  fidelity.  You  well  know  it  has  long 
been  the  public  sentiment,  that  no  man  can  be  found  whose  char- 
acted  is  more  upright  and  disinterested,  than  that  of  Mr.  Evarts. 
After  twenty  years  intimate  acquaintance  with  him,  and  after 
having  been,  most  of  us,  associated  with  him  for  ten  years  in  con- 
ducting the  concerns  of  the  Board,  we  can  give  our  united  testi- 
mony to  the  justice  of  this  sentiment ; and  can  say  of  him,  as 
truly  as  of  any  man,  “ that  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity,  not 
by  fleshly  wisdom,  but  by  the  grace  of  God,  he  had  his  conversa- 
tion in  the  world.” 

But  the  man  whose  name  is  so  dear  to  us,  and  whose  labors 
have  been  so  useful,  has  been  removed  from  us  by  the  stroke  of 
death.  Neither  the  high  importance  of  his  office,  nor  his  eminent 
endowanents,  nor  the  affections  of  his  friends,  nor  the  prayers  of 
those  who  love  Zion,  could  prevent  or  delay  his  departure.  He 
is  gone  from  us,  and  we  shall  see  his  face  no  more.  The  death 
of  such  a man  at  such  a time,  we  feel  to  be  a very  afflictive  and 
distressing  event. — But  though  in  itself  so  afflictive,  it  naturally 
suggests  subjects,  which  are  fitted  to  awaken  lively  gratitude  to 
God,  and  to  encourage  us  in  the  work  of  spreading  the  gospel. 
For  we  cannot  but  remember,  that  God  in  mercy  gave  what  he 
has  now  taken  away.  And  is  it  a small  matter,  that,  at  the  criti- 
cal period  when  the  Foreign  Mission  from  America  was  commenc- 
ed, and  during  the  first  years  of  its  progress,  divine  Providence 
raised  up  such  men  as  Worcester  and  Evarts,  to  be  the  chief 
agents  in  the  work  ? Where  is  the  society, — where  the  benevo- 
lent enterprise,  which  has  in  this  and  other  respects,  enjoyed  more 
visible  tokens  of  the  divine  favor  ? The  services  of  such  a man, 
as  our  late  Secretary,  must  be  important  to  any  cause,  at  any 
time.  But  the  work  which  the  friends  of  Missions  undertook 
twenty  years  ago,  was  a work  of  vast  magnitude  and  difficulty. 
A mere  kindling  up  of  temporary  zeal, — a few  desultory  efforts 
could  accomplish  nothing.  There  was  a necessity  for  a system 


25 


of  operations,  wisely  planned,  and  ably  and  perseveringly  exe- 
cuted. The  undertaking  called  for  men  of  large  views,  and 
sound  judgment, — of  devoted  piety  and  invincible  resolution  ; 
men  trained  to  sober  deliberation,  and  efficient  action,  and 
not  likely  to  fail  either  in  concerting  or  in  executing  meas- 
ures ; men  of  so  much  fire,  as  to  warm  the  hearts  of  others,  and 
yet  so  cool  and  discreet,  as  to  secure  their  confidence ; men  too, 
who  could  bring  weight  of  character  to  the  work,  instead  ol  de- 
pending on  the  work  for  character.  Now  that  Clod  in  his  provi- 
dence raised  up  just  such  men,  as  the  new  and  arduous  enter- 
prise required,  and  that  he  continued  one  of  them  ten  years,  and 
the  other  twenty,  as  principal  agents  of  the  Hoard,  and  with  a 
success,  which  has  filled  the  Christian  world  with  admiration  and 
joy  ; — this,  brethren,  we  must  record  as  among  the  most  visible 
and  encouraging  tokens  of  God’s  special  favor. — Shall  we  then 
faint  under  the  stroke  of  his  hand  ? Shall  we  look  forward  to  the 
future  with  distrust  and  fear,  and  be  ready  to  abandon  the  cause 
of  Missions  ? Shall  we  even  pursue  that  cause  with  less  zeal,  or 
less  hope  of  success  ? No.  Far  be  it  from  us,  that  we  should 
thus  dishonor  the  name  of  God.  It  is  enough  for  us  that,  al- 
though good  men  die,  the  Lord  lives,  and  is  the  same  yesterday, 
to-day,  and  forever.  The  cause  to  which  we  are  devoted  is  his 
cause.  We  have  engaged  in  it  in  obedience  to  his  command. 
And  we  go  forward  in  our  endeavours  to  promote  it,  with  full  re- 
liance on  his  promised  aid.  We  are  confident,  that  he  who  has 
all  power  in  heaven  and  earth,  will  be  present  with  us  in  every 
emergency  ; that  he  will  prepare  men  for  every  post  of  useful- 
ness ; that  he  will  crown  with  success  whatever  is  done  for  the 
enlargement  of  his  church,  and  finally  cause  the  gospel  to  tri- 
umph in  every  place. 

How  often,  brethren,  have  you  seen  the  worthlessness  of  a 
life  devoted  to  ambitious  and  worldly  pursuits  ! See  now,  how 
useful  and  happy  is  a life  devoted  to  God  ! See  how  much  one  man 
of  fervent  piety  and  active  benevolence  may  accomplish  in  a short 
time  ! The  character  we  have  contemplated  is  a good  pattern  for 
all  men  in  public  stations.  Let  us  copy  it  faithfully.  Let  the 
sober  maxims,  the  principles  of  enlarged  and  disinterested  benev- 

4 


26 


olence,  which  governed  the  conduct  of  our  beloved  Secretary, 
peyvade  all  our  counsels  and  labors. 

Every  hour  we  are  employed  in  a work  so  benevolent  and 
sacred,  should  remind  us  of  our  high  obligations,  and  increase 
our  endeavours  to  be  holy  as  Christ  is  holy.  When  we  look 
back  upon  days  and  years  that  are  past,  and  remember  how  near 
we  have  been  to  an  eminently  good  man,  now  in  heaven  ; 
we  should  be  incited  to  do  with  our  might  whatsoever  our  hand 
findeth  to  do,  and  to  be  ready  for  the  coming  of  our  Lord.  In 
imitation  of  our  beloved  brother,  who  now  rests  from  his  labors, 
let  us  strive  to  have  our  great  work  so  finished,  and  all  our  affairs, 
whether  public  or  private,  so  arranged  and  settled,  that  when  our 
last  day  comes,  we  may  be  free  from  anxious  cares,  and  may  be 
able  to  say  with  a peace  which  the  world  cannot  give,  Loro 
Jesus,  receive  my  spirit. 

To  conclude.  Dear  brethren  and  friends,  we  have  been  calling 
to  mind  the  piety  and  usefulness  of  a fellow  mortal,  and  have  been 
considering  him  as  a suitable  pattern  for  our  imitation.  The  time 
wre  have  devoted  to  the  contemplation  of  so  excellent  a character, 
will,  I hope,  conduce  to  our  improvement. — But  be  it  remembered, 
there  is  a character  vastly  more  exalted.  There  is  an  excellence 
and  glory,  both  intellectual  and  moral,  infinitely  surpassing  all  that  is 
human.  It  shines  forth  in  this  fair  creation  above  us  and  around 
us.  It  shines  forth  especially  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Now  while  we  look  with  delight  upon  human  excellence,  shall  we 
close  our  eyes  to  that  which  is  divine  ? While  we  gaze  upon  a 
dim  taper,  shall  we  be  blind  to  the  light  of  day  ? Arc  we  filled 
with  admiration  at- the  endowments  of  man,  who  is  of  yesterday? 
What  adoring  thoughts  then  should  we  have  of  the  high  and 
lofty  One  who  inhabiteth  eternity  ! Before  that  great  and  glorious 
Being,  the  greatest  of  men,  and  the  greatest  of  angels,  are  as  the 
small  dust  of  the  balance.  The  brightest  excellence  we  behold 
in  creation  is  only  a ray  from  the  inexhaustible  fountain  of  light. 
— Have  we  confidence  in  a child  of  earth,  because  he  evinces  a 
small  degree  of  intelligence  and  faithfulness  ? What  unwaver- 
ing trust  then  should  we  repose  in  God.  whose  understanding  is 


2 7 


infinite,  and  whose  faithfulness  never  fails ! And  finally  : do 
emotions  of  gratitude  rise  in  our  hearts,  while  we  recollect  the 
benevolent  and  useful  actions  which  a feeble,  imperfect  man  per- 
formed during  a few,  fleeting  years  ? Oh  ! how  much  warmer, 
nobler  gratitude  should  glow  within  us  towards  that  infinite  Being, 
from  whom  cometh  all  the  goodness  and  all  the  usefulness  of  his 
creatures,  and  all  the  happiness  of  earth  and  of  heaven  ; — whose 
love  has  a length,  and  breadth,  and  depth,  and  height,  passing  all 
understanding  ; and  who  is  so  great  in  power  and  so  excellent  in 
working,  that  he  accomplishes  more  good  in  a single  moment, 
and  by  a single  act  of  his  will,  than  all  created  beings  can  ac- 
complish in  ten  thousand  ages  ! “ Blessed,  then,  he  the  Lord 

God  of  Israel,  who  only  doeth  wondrous  things;  and  blessed  be 
his  glorious  name  forever ; and  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with 
his  glory.  Amen.” 


